Pickup Truck Bed Mounting Assembly Without Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing accessories to pickup truck boxes often require drilling holes, which can lead to corrosion and structural integrity issues, failing to meet all user needs.
Innovation Solution
A universal attachment system featuring a mounting assembly with a planar plate and T-mount, including elastomeric inserts and spacer assemblies, that securely attaches to the truck bed without drilling, providing multiple securing points and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drilling holes in the pickup truck box to provide interface points for accessories, then accessory mounting capability is improved, but structural integrity and corrosion resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting assembly that attaches to the truck box sidewall without drilling holes. This assembly includes a mounting plate with multiple apertures that can be positioned at various locations, providing accessory mounting capability while acting as a mediator between the truck box structure and accessories, thereby avoiding direct drilling into the box and preserving structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is segmented into multiple components: a mounting plate with array of apertures, a T-mount attachment member, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple mounting points through the apertures array while the main body attaches to the sidewall without penetrating holes, resolving the contradiction between mounting versatility and structural strength
2Adaptability or versatility
If drilling holes in the pickup truck box to provide interface points for accessories, then accessory mounting capability is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly serves as an intermediary component that eliminates the need for holes in the truck box sidewall. By attaching the mounting plate to the outer surface and using the T-mount to secure it internally without penetrating the box structure, the system prevents moisture and corrosive elements from entering through drill holes, thereby maintaining corrosion resistance while still providing accessory mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the mounting function from the truck box structure itself by introducing a separate, removable mounting assembly. This extraction allows accessories to be mounted without modifying the truck box structure, eliminating the source of corrosion (drill holes) while preserving the desired accessory mounting capability
3Strength
If using a universal attachment system with mounting assembly, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed as a universal attachment system that can be installed at multiple locations on the truck box sidewall and provides an array of apertures for various accessory types. The standardized T-mount and mounting plate design allows the same component to serve multiple functions and locations, reducing overall system complexity despite the added mounting capability by using repeatable, modular components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for secure attachment of accessories without compromising the truck bed's integrity, reducing corrosion and enhancing user flexibility while maintaining structural strength.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric tip disposed at an end of the threaded bolt for engaging the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric insert disposed at least partially through an aperture of the array of apertures. The elastomeric insert may extend beyond a back surface of the planar plate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a truck bed having a sidewall extending upward from a floor panel, and an anchor plate secured to an internal surface of the sidewall. The vehicle further includes a mounting assembly removably secured to the anchor plate. The mounting assembly includes a planar plate defining an array of holes, and an attachment member secured to the plate. The attachment member defines a T-mount for engaging the anchor plate and a handle defining a cavity.